Look what I did...

[ken_j]

I installed a set of higain pickups that I converted with toaster covers. I have posted a cross-thread in Sérgio's section detailing the process I used. This has brought a whole new sound and look to this 650.

[j_gary]

Nice work Ken, she looks great.

[wj350]

Looks really nice!

[krick]

That guitar looks familiar for some reason.

[steverok]

How long did it take you, and how much do you charge ?!?!

[ken_j]

I did this over a few days as I needed the measurements to make the pole pieces. The bobbins on the older pickup I used for proof of concept was thinner. Also this would require some sort of shimming to hold it in place in the new toaster cover. I don't know what year they changed. Your pickups may be different. Also I had to wait for the glue to come in. Total working time was less than 2 hours including installing them in the guitar, excluding the lathe time. I think if I were to do any more I would machine a fixture to make the pole pieces from flat head screws. That way I would not have to drill out the bobbins completely, but still keep the magnetic field as wide as possibly. Sérgio wrote me that using the 1/4" pole pieces would make the pickup hotter than it was to start. I have nothing to compare it to until I connect up with another higain equipt Rick (hint for Krick). As far as charging to do this I have no idea also I am no expert this was my first attempt. I paid $28 plus tax at my local Rick dealer for the covers. I will say that the most tedious part was not breaking the delicate wires. I would recommend securing them with tape. I would also tape the portion of the bobbin that fits through the toaster slots so as not to scratch that surface up.

[dean712]

Looks great - a sweet guitar!

[doctorwho]

Nicely done, Ken!

[winston]

Thanks for this information Ken. In fact your very detailed post is very encouraging to me. I have a couple of hi-gains that I have been considering converting for some time now.